Haiti: Relative calm in Port-au-Prince Nov. 22 following unrest /update 6

Event

A relative calm has returned to the capital Port-au-Prince as of the morning of Thursday, November 22 (local time), following four days of violent unrest that affected various regions of the country. Fewer roadblocks are being reported and some offices have reopened for business. However, the situation remains tense and further unrest and associated disruptions cannot be ruled out, notably during protests scheduled for Friday.

Context

Violent protests initially broke out on November 18 and gunfire, roadblocks, and mob violence have been reported across the country - including in Cap-Haïtien, Pétion-Ville, Lalue, Croix-des-Bouquets, Les Cayes, and Chalon. At least 11 people have been killed, including six struck by a government vehicle near Port-au-Prince Toussaint-Louverture International Airport (PAP) on November 21; the incident incited a violent response among the surrounding crowd, which attacked the vehicle; police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas.

Numerous demonstrations have been staged in recent months to call for greater government transparency after several public officials, including President Jovenel Moïse, were implicated in a scandal related to the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, avoid the Martissant area of the capital and generally limit movements, and be prepared to shelter in place in the event of major unrest.